A couple of times a year, the issue of who is awarded City contracts comes up. Residents sometimes wonder why we select a business from outside the community. Why not a Guelph business?
Frankly, why wouldn’t a local politician want to give a contract to a local business? Certainly wouldn’t hurt at election time.
Well, that is precisely the root of the problem and what led to a lot of corruption in various places at various times in our province’s history. Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink. Say no more. Good for some but not always in the best interests of the taxpayer.
As a result, provincial legislation and case law now strongly protects the rights of taxpayers in the municipal tendering process. Local businesses must compete with all others to ensure the taxpayer gets the best deal. Many times, local businesses are successful. Sometimes they are not. But in both cases, the taxpayer wins.
Of course, these rules also ensure that Guelph companies are able to compete for contracts in other municipalities.
The City is proud of the open and transparent process we have established that is fair to all businesses as well as the people who foot the bill.
Filed under: Blog, Excellence in Municipal Governance
Totally agree Mayor Farbridge. Well said.
Cam